No matter how hot the outside temperature, Kenny and Denise Hurst’s front yard always looks pleasantly shaded and a few degrees cooler. Hostas and Asian lilies in the large beds under the trees contrast with burgundy Japanese maples, all flourishing in dappled to full shade.

They moved into their home at 525 CR 2317 in Hickory Creek Estates in 2012, with its many large trees and flowering shrubs already established. They soon planted three redbuds, a tree Denise has always loved.

Much of their property in the back is considerably higher, sloping toward the house. After a few heavy rains, they noticed water coming inside and decided that they would need to grade some of the slope and install drains. 

Six years ago, they terraced the backyard and added retaining walls to prevent erosion.  Kenny and Denise stress the importance of grading and proper drainage to protect a home and landscape.

They also installed stone steps along the sides of the former slope and they now showcase a lovely display of oakleaf hydrangeas and bright pink azaleas. Crinum lilies, pink phlox and yellow lantana are interspersed with greenery to attract butterflies.  Birdbaths and wind chimes are strategically placed to provide a restful mood, and several lacy white spireas line the driveway.

Though they need help mowing their large property, they’ve been hands-on with the landscaping. Kenny keeps the hedges trimmed and Denise likes weeding the beds and fertilizing the flowering shrubs, resulting in a bumper crop of azalea blooms this spring.  She says the work is a stress reliever, with instant gratification.

Denise says they’ve overcome several issues over the years. They’re prepared for the next Snowmageddon with landscaping covers, since they lost several Chinese fringe flowers during the last severe freeze. They’ve also done battle with chinch bugs feasting on the St. Augustine lawn.

Their next addition to the front yard will be a magnolia tree, since they enjoy the sweet fragrance of their blooms.

The Fannie Marchman Garden Club of Mineola has chosen the Hursts for the June Yard of the Month.